Brandon LaFell has a brutal matchup against Denver, but Brady has very few choices left

Week 12 has huge playoff implications in the NFL. With the Lions beating the Eagles and Bears beating the Packers on Thanksgiving, for some teams there is still hope. For fantasy owners, this could mean huge points as players attempt to put their teams ahead in the race. Accordingly, here is a list of wide receivers who should start and sit for the week.

Start – Brandon LaFell With Danny Amendola scheduled to miss Sunday and Julian Edelman having a broke foot, LaFell has a great opportunity to make an impact for the Patriots. QB Tom Brady has always had a thing against Peyton Manning. And with the Pats taking on the Broncos this week (even if it is without Manning in the lineup), Brady is going to want to win this game. That means he’ll need options outside of Gronk to take on a good Denver defense. LaFell has been getting more yards as the weeks go on, and could have a repeat of his performance against the Redskins earlier where he pulled in 102 yards for the game.

Start – Martavis Bryant: With Big Ben back, Bryant should have a productive game. Although the Steelers are taking on the Legion of Boom in Seattle, the Seahawks have been anything but intimidating this season. In his last game against the Browns, Bryant racked up 178 yards and a touchdown. In an offense that lost its star running back LeVeon Bell, Martavis should be the go-to target for Roethlisberger to challenge Seattle’s secondary.

Start – Desean Jackson: Jackson hasn’t played much this season after tearing his hamstring, but is slowly working his way back into more plays in the Redskins offense. This week, Washington has a chance to go into first place in the NFC East by beating the Giants. QB Kirk Cousins will try to prove that he is the ultimate answer over RGIII by pulling his squad into the top spot in the division. He needs Jackson to do this. Last week, Desean had 87 yards on 5 receptions, but he was good for 56 yards on just one catch. His big play ability will work good against New York.

START – Doug Martin: The Dougernaut gashed the Eagles defense for 235 yards on 27 carries this past Sunday. Martin would’ve reached the endzone twice if he wasn’t tackled from behind on his longest runs of 53 and 81 yards. Don’t expect the Colts to hold Martin from scoring this week. The Buccaneers are getting healthier and their weapons are back on the field. It’ll be difficult for the Colts’ weak defense to stop anyone in week 12.

Start – Javorious Allen: I told you to go pick him off waivers and hopefully you listened because in his first week as a starter, Allen gets the worst rushing defense in the league. The Cleveland Browns have allowed nearly 20 fantasy points to opposing tailbacks this season. With very limited weapons left in the Ravens arsenal, expect Allen to receive a heavy workload. Allen is firmly supplanted as a RB2 for week 12.

Start – Chris Johnson: Johnson began to teeter off after the week 9 bye week (averaging 61 yards and no scores in last two games). Expect CJ2K to get back on track against the lowly San Francisco 49ers. Rawls trampled the 49ers defense for 209 yards and two scores just the week before. It’s not hard to believe Johnson will be able to do a fraction of that damage and put together a viable fantasy performance.

SIT – Lamar Miller: Miller failed to reach double-digit carries for the second time in four games. Miller also failed to eclipse 44 yards for the fourth time in six games. Miller is trending slightly downward and a week 12 matchup against the stingy Jets run defense doesn’t help either. Back in week four, Miller had seven totes for 26 yards against the Jets. Miller will surely have more success than that, but temper your expectations heading into this one.

The Detroit Lions are taking on the Philadelphia Eagles in a showdown between two teams clawing for a chance to save their seasons. While the Eagles are only 1 game out of first place in the dismal NFC East, the Lions have all but eliminated themselves from postseason play with a 3-7 record. Despite the outlook on their respective seasons, this matchup should prove entertaining. For fantasy owners, here are a few players from these teams that should start and sit.

Start – Matthew Stafford: Stafford seems to be getting himself back on track after a terrible start to the season for his squad. Stafford hasn’t really had a horrible season. He’s averaging well over 200 yards on about 35 pass attempts a game. The problem is that he has had multiple games with multiple interceptions. But, a team winning doesn’t matter in fantasy, only a player’s production numbers. That is good for fantasy owners in a year where quarterback play is very unpredictable; just ask Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck owners. Look for Stafford to bring some holiday cheer to the Lions home crowd and put up some good numbers come Thursday.

Start – Theo Riddick: Riddick hasn’t played much of the season. He is the Lions’ third string running back and yet he has managed to become the leading pass catcher of all running backs in the league. Last week against the Raiders, Riddick pulled in 66 yards in the fourth quarter alone. Riddick wont get much in the running attack, but he’s averaging 8.9 yards per carry. And on a team that has players like Calvin Johnson who are often double teamed, Riddick should be wide open for Stafford to rely on.

Sit – Joique Bell: Bell shouldn’t start in any league this season…ever. He’s averaging 2.8 yards per carry on the season. For the entire season to date, he only has 138 yards total in the rushing category. Those numbers wont due for a running back in the NFL and certainly wont cut if for fantasy owners. His Lions teammate Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick are much more productive and are the ones who owners should start, not Bell.

OUT – Ryan Mathews: Mathews was inactive last game due to a concussion and will NOT play today against the Lions. Philadelphia’s high-tempo offense also fares better for the passing game than the ground attack. Mathews is averaging 5.7 yards per carry, but he has many games this year where he was held to under 20 yards total.

Barring injury, Buck Allen will be the primary workhorse for the Ravens offense

Another week, another batch of injuries. Week 11 saw a peculiar amount of injuries suffered by tailbacks. Justin Forsett, Charcandrick West, Frank Gore, and Devonta Freeman were the main victims this past week. Do yourself a favor and pick up these backups on waivers to prepare for the fantasy playoffs.

Buck Allen (Ownership 6.2%)

Condolences to the Baltimore Ravens franchise and the team’s fan base. As if an abysmal 2–7 record to start the season wasn’t enough, Justin Forsett and Joe Flacco were both lost in the game due to season-ending injuries. As the absolute only option to generate any offense for the Ravens, Javorious Allen should handle a huge workload going forward. In the absence of Forsett, Allen accumulated 67 rush yards and 48 receiving yards in week 11. Even more enticing, the Ravens face the Browns and the Dolphins in the upcoming weeks, two teams horrendous at stopping the run. Pick up Allen off waivers and ride his coattails into the promise land.

Spencer Ware, KC (Basically Unowned)

Just as Charcandrick West was starting to get on a roll and make a name for himself in the league, he suffers a hamstring injury. West is day-to-day but hamstring injuries can linger, just ask Odell Beckham Jr. Ware stepped in line for West on Sunday and didn’t miss a beat running for 96 yards and 2 TDs on just 11 carries. The Chiefs defense and run game have been absolutely red hot in the past five weeks and a speculative add of Ware couldn’t hurt. Keep in mind, Knile Davis was a healthy scratch for the week 11 bout but he may also return to create depth among the Chiefs backfield.

Ahmad Bradshaw (Ownership 4.0%)

You’ve seen this story before. Ahmad Bradshaw comes back from the fantasy fringes to become relatively unstoppable week after week. Bradshaw was the lead dog for Indy last year averaging 12 points a contest before going out to a season ending injury in week 10. The Colts brought in Frank Gore to take over the reigns in 2015 and he has done a formidable job. However, Gore is on the wrong side of 30 with a lot of mileage on his legs. Furthermore, Gore may have suffered a knee injury with the extent of the injury unknown. If Gore is sidelined, Bradshaw automatically jumps to a RB2 with RB1 upside. Bradshaw is already familiar and comfortable within the offense and will continue to gain more touches even with Gore in the mix.

Tevin Coleman (Ownership 26.1%)

When the number one fantasy running back goes down to injury, you pick up the handcuff off waivers. Freeman is apparently moving along rather quickly in the concussion protocol but don’t be surprised if the league is extra careful with him after the debacle that happened with Case Keenum. Coleman struggled in Freeman’s absence running for only 48 yards on 17 carries. However, the rookie was praised in the preseason for his speed and if given the opportunity, can be a great addition to a roster. Add Coleman to a bench spot now and wait to see what the rookie can do when his number is called upon once again.

Sam Bradford – OUT: Philadelphia Eagles quarterback is ruled out against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mark Sanchez will start in his place until his return.

Peyton Manning – OUT: Denver Broncos quarterback is ruled out against the Chicago Bears with a foot injury. Brock Osweiler will get the start.

Ryan Fitzpatrick – New York Jets quarterback will play this week against the Houston Texans.

Marshawn Lynch – Seattle Seahawks running back is expected to play this week against San Francisco even though he was limited in practice this week.

Darren McFadden – Dallas Cowboys Running Back is expected to play against the Miami Dolphins. The Cowboys may scale back his usage during this Week 11 matchup against the

Ryan Matthews – OUT: Philadelphia Eagles running back suffered a concussion is ruled out against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Expect Demarco Murray and Darren Sproles to be used in the offense a lot in his absence.

Eddie Lacy – Green Bay Packers running back is listed as probable this week and should see some playing time. James Starks will get the start according to head coach Mike McCarthy.

Matt Forte – Chicago Bears running back is a game time decision against the Denver Broncos. He has been practicing day by day but may need more time to recover expect Langford to start and carry a load in the offense.

Vincent Jackson – Tampa Bay Wide Receiver will be a game time decision against the Philadelphia Eagles. Fantasy owners should have a backup just in case he does not play. Once again, expect Mike Evans be the focal point of the offense.

Michael Floyd – Arizona Cardinals Wide Receiver is a game time decision Sunday night against the Cincinnati Bengals. Expect him to play in this game in this big matchup.

DeAndre Hopkins – Houston Texans wide receiver will play Sunday against the New York Jets.

Alshon Jeffrey – Chicago Bears wide receiver is listed as questionable. Eddie Royal is out, so expect Marques Wilson to be the number one receiver if he does not play.

Eddie Royal – OUT

Anquan Boldin – San Francisco 49ers wide receiver is listed as questionable against the Seattle Seahawks. Expect him to be ready to go and play in this divisional matchup.

Emmanuel Sanders – Denver Broncos wide receiver will play against the Chicago Bears.

Malcom Floyd – OUT: San Diego Chargers wide receiver will not play Sunday against the Chiefs.

Charcandrick West has scored at least 17 fantasy points in three straight contests

Start – Charcandrick West: 2nd year back Charcandrick West has been posting superb fantasy numbers since Jamaal Charles went down with a season ending injury. Last week, West totaled 69 yards on the ground and pulled in 92 yards though the air (including an 80 yard reception and a touchdown). If Kansas city wants to throw all their balls underneath to the running back, all the better for fantasy owners. West should continue to thrive this week against a 2-7 Chargers squad that is unable to slow down opposing running backs of any caliber.

Start – Danny Woodhead: This veteran running back has emerged as the number one option for San Diego. The Chargers number one draft pick. Melvin Gordon, is plagued with ball security issues which has given Woodhead plenty of opportunities. Woodhead is averaging 4 yards per carry, but is also pulling in more than 11 yards per reception. Woodhead would serve well as a flex option in a tough matchup against a the Chiefs.

Start – James Starks: The longtime Packers backup is getting another shot at the starting role this week in place of Eddie Lacy. Even with Lacy set to play, Green Bay decided to go with Starks. Earlier this season, Starks managed 112 yards and a touchdown against the Chargers, but faces a much tougher matchup this week against the Vikings.

Sit – Melvin Gordon: Danny Woodhead’s emergence as a better option for the Chargers has hurt Gordon’s stock. The rookie back is averaging 3.6 yards per carry and only managed 31 yards in his last game against the Bears. Kansas City’s defense is stingy against the run, and wont allow Gordon to break free. Unlike Woodhead, Gordon, whose averaging just 5.6 yards per reception, doesn’t really help QB Phillip Rivers by getting open for a reception when defenses load the box.

Jay Cutler is facing a hard-nosed Broncos defense, but Denver is vulnerable

Despite playing four seasons for the Broncos from 2006 through 2009, Cutler has never actually played a regular season game against Denver. The two teams met in 2011, but Cutler was injured and Tim Tebow was the Broncos quarterback.

This time, Cutler is facing a shutdown Broncos defense that has shown some cracks lately. With Peyton Manning ruled out and backup quarterback Brock Osweiler expected to start, Cutler and the Bears have a chance to make a statement riding a two game winning streak.

Bear OC Adam Gase is having a positive impact on Cutler and is helping him to better read opposing defenses. Similar to the St. Louis Rams, the Broncos are ranked high in defense in multiple categories such as rush defense, pass yards per game, and yards allowed per play.

The Bears have their hands full and will have to make big plays down the field to open up the defense. To be successful, Gase will have to mix up the play calling and keep Cutler focussed. In the final equation, Alshon Jeffrey and running back Jeremy Langford need to make big plays to help Cutler overcome the top-ranked Denver defense.

Mike Evans has cracked at least 126 yards receiving in 3 of his last 4 games

Start – Mike Evans: Evans now mustered up 125 or more receiving yards in three of the last four contests. The benefactor in a depleted Bucs aerial attack, Evans figures to keep getting the lions share of Jameis Winston’s passes (averaging 14 targets over past four weeks). Austin Seferian-Jenkins and Vincent Jackson are getting healthier as the weeks roll by but particularly in week 11, Tampa Bay draws a prime matchup with Philly. The Eagles are two spots removed from being the worst secondary in the league when it comes to limiting receivers. Even if multiple weapons return for the Buccaneers, Evans will still feast on Sunday.

Start – Michael Crabtree: Crabtree grabbed four balls for 55 yards and no score in week 10 against Minnesota. Don’t be fooled, that stat line is just an outlier. Crabtree is averaging the most targets on the team and before week 11, had three straight weeks with a touchdown. Expect the Raiders offense to bounce back against a soft Detroit defense.

Start – Stevie Johnson: Stevie Johnson wields a different skill set but finds himself in the same predicament as Mike Evans: the last receiver standing of a wide receiver corps facing a porous defense. Philip Rivers is having statistically one of the best seasons of his career and he is still managing to put up numbers with a lack of talent. With Allen on IR and Floyd questionable to play, Johnson is left to compete for targets with only Antonio Gates. Facing divisional foe, Kansas City, there will be enough love to spread around for every receiver to be happy.

Sit – DeSean Jackson: Fantasy investors waited eight long weeks for Jackson to finally get healthy. As the focal point in the pass-first Washington offense, one would expect Jackson to boom right from the gates. However, Jackson faltered against a mediocre Patriots secondary and managed only 44 yards on two catches against the despicable Saints defense. Jackson is always a candidate to boom when least expected. However, expectations should be tempered in week 11 when Washington travels to Carolina to face Josh Norman and the Panthers formidable defense.

Sit – Randall Cobb: I know what you’re thinking. Cobb is the No.1 receiver on an Aaron Rodgers led offense and there’s no possible better option. However, if you look at the big picture, Cobb just hasn’t been himself this year. Cobb now has six games with six or less receptions and under 50 yards. Blame it on the shoulder injury or the absence of Jordy Nelson, but Cobb just can’t thrive as a top dog. The Packers offense is struggling as a whole and now they hit the road to face a stingy Vikings team that rightfully sits atop the division. Aaron Rodgers may pull off some magic and turn the offense around, or the woeful times may continue for the Packers and you Cobb owners.

Sit Kamar Aiken: Another scenario of the last man standing, but this time, the outcome is not what you’d expect. Aiken will receive a healthy dose of targets but will also produce a troublesome amount of drops. Baltimore will be facing the St. Louis Rams whose pass defense allows the second fewest fantasy points to receivers per game. It could be a long afternoon for Aiken and the Baltimore offense.

Emmanuel Sanders – Denver Broncos Wide Receiver is listed as a game time decision against the Chiefs. He suffered an ankle injury and hasn’t practiced for three days in a row. Fantasy owners should have a backup plan ready just in case he can’t suit up.

Matt Forte – OUT (more below)

Eddie Lacy – OUT (more below)

Eddie Royal – OUT: Chicago Bears Wide Receiver will not play Sunday against the Rams.

Vincent Jackson – OUT: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Wide Receiver will not play against the Dallas Cowboys.

Kendall Wright – OUT: Tennessee Titans Wide Receiver will not play against the Carolina Panthers.

John Brown – Cardinals Wide Receiver inadvertently destroyed fantasy owners during Week 8 when he was activated 45 minutes before game time but never took the field at all. This left fantasy owners with a big fat zero. Once again, Brown is listed as a game time decision with a hamstring injury. Expect him to play in this big division game against Seattle, but TEMPER your expectations.

Davante Parker – Miami Dolphins Wide Receiver is listed as questionable this week against the Eagles. Even if he plays, he is the fourth receiver on the depth chart and doesn’t need to be picked up in fantasy.

Calvin Johnson – Detroit Lions Wide Receiver is listed as questionable against the Packers. He is confident that he will play even though he has been limited in practice all week. Expect him to play barring any setbacks.

Josh McCown – The Browns quarterback is listed as questionable against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He has a rib injury and Johnny Manziel has been practicing all week and is likely to start. Mike Pettine has yet to name the starter. If active and healthy, McCown will play, but expect Manziel to start.

Teddy Bridgewater – Minnesota Vikings Quarterback is listed as questionable this week against the Raiders. After a full practice Friday, Head coach Mike Zimmer has full confidence that Bridgewater will be able to make the start.

Ben Roethlisberger – Steelers Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is set to back up Landry Jones against Cleveland this week. He is not expected to play unless Jones goes down with an injury.

Peyton Manning – Denver Broncos Quarterback is listed as probable with a foot injury, but should start against the Kansas City Chiefs. Coach Kubiak expressed some concern, but barring an unlikely setback, Manning will play.

Marshawn Lynch – Seattle Seahawks Running Back is listed as questionable against the Arizona Cardinals. Despite battling injuries all season, Pete Carroll said that he expects him to play. If he does not play, rookie Thomas Rawls will be the starter and currently leads the team in rushing.

DeAngelo Williams – Pittsburgh Steelers Running Back is listed as probable against the Browns. Expect him to play and is a high end option in this favorable matchup against Cleveland.

Matt Forte – Chicago Bears Running Back suffered an MCL sprain injury and is listed as questionable. Don’t expect him to play this week or for Chicago coach John Fox to EVER provide a realistic time line for his return.

Eddie Lacy – Green Bay Packers Running Back is listed as questionable with a groin injury, but expect him to play this week and split carries behind the team’s new starter, James Starks.

Austin Seferian-Jenkins – Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tight End will not play against the Dallas Cowboys. Expect Mike Evans to carry a heavy workload on offense once again.

Larry Donnell – New York Giants Tight End will not play against the New England Patriots. Will Tye will get the start and play.